Napkin Dispenser

ABSTRACT

A cover, carriage, or faceplate for a napkin dispenser is provided. The cover, faceplate or carriage defines one or more pick zones that facilitate manual extraction of different numbers of multiple napkins from the dispenser during each dispensing event. Preferably, the cover, carriage or faceplate cooperates with a container configured to receive a stack of napkins and is maintained adjacent an end or edge of the stack. More preferably, the cover, faceplate or carriage is configured to cooperate with containers having various shapes and/or configured for countertop, hanging, or in-counter implementation of the container to allow retrofitting of currently available single quantity dispensing napkin dispensers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/762,093 filed on Feb. 7, 2013 titled “Napkin Dispenser” andthe entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to napkin dispensers and moreparticularly, to a napkin dispenser that allows variable numbers ofnapkins to be manually removed from the dispenser during each dispensingevent.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Napkin dispensers have been commonly used in restaurants and otherlocations for dispensing disposable paper napkins. While napkindispensers may appear uncomplicated at first glance, a number ofproblems have been associated with their use. In the past, napkindispensers have been configured to attempt to dispense a single napkinwith each dispensing event. Such configurations have several drawbacks.

For instance, in a single napkin-dispensing configuration, although onenapkin may be sufficient for some users, other users, such as thoseordering food for multiple people or those ordering for small children,commonly desire, and frequently require, more than one napkin. Attainingthe desired number of napkins from such dispensers commonly requires theuser to repeatedly remove individual napkins from the dispenser until adesired number of napkins have been retrieved. Such use detracts fromefficient utilization of the dispenser and commonly detracts fromefficient vender/customer interaction. This is particularly problematicin drive-through environments where the customer service person ischarged with quickly and efficiently providing a customer with acompleted order and an appropriate number of napkins.

To address the problems in the drive through environment, customerservice personnel often simply place one or more stacks of napkins on anearby counter. While this makes it easy to provide multiple napkins ofvirtually any amount, such operations can compromise sanitation andsafety in that the stacks of napkins are fully exposed to theenvironment and can be easily knocked over. Similarly, customer servicepersonnel have been known to take an existing dispenser and simply leaveit open to allow direct interaction with the paper napkins commonlydisposed within the dispenser. While this provides a slightly greatermeasure of control than a plain stack of napkins, it takes up more spaceand has similar sanitation issues.

At least one dispenser, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,635, attempts toaddress this issue by providing a dispenser with a faceplate that allowsfor the removal of several napkins during a single dispensing event butdoes so in an uncontrolled manner. With this dispenser, customer servicepersons may remove, inadvertently or intentionally, more napkins thanmay be desired or necessary, respectively. Such use tends to increasewaste and cost associated with providing only a desired or necessarynumber of paper napkins to customers as determined by customer requestand/or the type and/or quantity of food stuffs being provided. Suchinteraction can also increase the refill schedule associated with use ofsuch dispensers as most users remove more napkins than would otherwisebe necessary thereby detracting from the efficient utilization of stafftime. Such systems can also result in employees providing more napkinsto consumers than may be necessary in favor of providing expedientcustomer service such as in a drive-through product exchangeenvironment.

Therefore, there is a need for a napkin dispenser that allows for theselective dispensing of multiple different numbers of napkins duringeach discrete dispensing activity and does so in a manner that is bothexpedient and maintains the sanitary condition of subsequent napkins.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a faceplate, distribution cover orcarriage (hereinafter “cover” when referencing all three) for dispensingnapkins that is adapted to fit on or otherwise cooperate with a napkinstorage container. The cover has an opening through which napkins may bewithdrawn and defines a number of pick zones or grip sites that are eachconfigured to allow different numbers of napkins to be manually removedfrom the dispenser during each discrete dispensing activity. In oneaspect, a carriage is maintained in engagement with an end of a stack ofnapkins to allow user interaction with any of the pick zones to retrievedifferent numbers of preselected numbers of napkins from the dispenser.It is appreciated that the carriage or the napkin stack can be biased,gravitationally or otherwise, into engagement with the end of the napkinstack to adjust the tightness of the stack for best presentment andsequential removal of the desired number of napkins from the dispenser.It is further appreciated that the disclosed paper napkin dispensersthat can be conveniently configured to accommodate removal of differentnumbers of multiple napkins during each interaction with one of therespective pick zones or grip sites.

One aspect discloses a carriage of a napkin dispenser that includes abody constructed to overlay a cavity shaped to contain a plurality ofnapkins. The body of the carriage defines a first pick zone that allowsaccess to a first amount of the plurality of napkins and a second pickzone that allows access to a second amount of the plurality of napkins.In one aspect, the carriage also defines a third pick zone that allowsaccess to yet a third amount of the plurality of napkins for each manualdispensing event. In another aspect, the carriage can be adjustable suchthat a size of the respective pick zones can be adjusted as a functionof the degree of adjustment of the carriage. In another aspect, thecarriage can cooperate with an interchangeable base configured tosupport the plurality of napkins associated therewith. In yet anotheraspect, the base can include a movable portion biased into engagementwith the plurality of napkins but movable to accommodate translation ofa gripped number of napkins past the carriage.

Another aspect discloses a dispenser for paper napkins. The dispenserincludes a container that defines a cavity shaped to receive a stack ofpaper napkins. A carriage or faceplate is connected to the cavity. Adischarge opening in the faceplate defines a first pick zone, a secondpick zone, and an optional third pick zone. Each pick zone is shaped toallow removal of a different number of paper napkins from the cavity ascompared to the number of paper napkins accessible at the other pickzones.

Another aspect discloses a method of forming a paper napkin dispenser.The method includes providing a cover that is constructed to bepositioned adjacent a stack of napkins. At least two pick zones areformed in the carriage and allow manual removal of different numbers ofnapkins from the paper napkin dispenser as a function of interactionwith a respective pick zone.

These and various other aspects, features, and advantages of theinvention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description and accompanying drawings. It should beunderstood, however, that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Manychanges and modifications may be made within the scope of the presentinvention without departing from the spirit thereof; and the inventionincludes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments presently contemplated ofcarrying out the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view a paper napkin dispenser having a faceplateaccording to a first embodiment in a closed configuration;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 1 in anopen configuration;

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 1exposing a base associated therewith;

FIG. 4 a is an exploded view of the base shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 b is an exploded view of another embodiment of a base for use inthe present invention;

FIG. 5 is rear perspective of the base associated with a cover of thedispenser shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 1showing an optional size reduction insert;

FIG. 7 a is a detailed view of a dispensing opening of the dispensershown in FIG. 1 with a stack of paper napkin products associatedtherewith;

FIG. 7 b is a front elevation view of a faceplate usable with thedispenser shown in FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of interchangeable bases usable with thedispenser shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view another biasing arrangement usable withthe base shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another base usable with the dispensershown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views of a paper napkin dispenser havinga faceplate according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the dispenser shown in FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 14 is a front side elevation view of the dispenser shown in FIGS.11 and 12;

FIG. 15 is a right side elevation view of the dispenser shown in FIGS.11 and 12;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view another paper napkin dispenser having afaceplate according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 16 witha stack of paper napkins associated with the faceplate;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the faceplate shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another paper napkin dispenser having afaceplate according to another embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a dispensing end of the dispenser shownin FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is front elevation view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 19associated with a support or stand that alters the orientation of thedispenser with respect to the orientation shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a paper napkin dispenser having afaceplate according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 is a front elevation view of the dispenser shown in FIGS. 23;and

FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 23.

In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention that areillustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted tofor the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the inventionbe limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understoodthat each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operatein a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, theword “connected,” “attached,” or terms similar thereto are alien used.They are not limited to direct connection but include connection throughother elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalentby those skilled in the art.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-4 a and 5-6 show a napkin dispenser 40 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. Napkin dispenser 40 includes anapkin dispenser body 42 and a distribution cover, cover, carriage,body, or faceplate 44 that is associated therewith. As used herein, theterm faceplate refers to structures that provide limited userinteraction with the paper napkin products intended to be dispensed froma dispenser regardless of the degree of coverage or interference withthe faceplate with the paper napkin products associated with therespective dispenser. As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment of theinvention, faceplate 44 provides coverage of generally one lateral sideand partial coverage of two adjacent sides of the paper napkin stackdisposed therebehind. Other embodiments of the invention, such as theembodiment shown in FIGS. 12-15, include a faceplate that interactsgenerally with an end of a paper product stack. Still other embodimentsof the invention, such as the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 16-18,include a faceplate that obscures a more limited portion of the paperproduct stack during use of the dispenser equipped with such afaceplate. Such variations support the use of at least those termsrecited above with respect to identifying the structure associated withprovided limited accessibility of discrete numbers of the paper napkinproducts but it is appreciated that other terms associated withfaceplate 44 may also be suitable.

Dispenser body 42 and faceplate 44 cooperate with one another to providean interior storage area or cavity 46 for napkins 48 (FIG. 6) that areto be dispensed through faceplate 44 via a discharge opening 50. Thenapkins 48 to be dispensed can rest on a floor associated bottom portionof 86 of body 42, support plate, or a floor defined by an optional base52 associated with body 42 of dispenser 40. Napkins 48 can begravitational fed toward opening 50 or urged toward opening 50 via aspring associated with a bias plate or like structure. It is appreciatedto utilization of such a biasing mechanism can depend largely on theintended orientation of the dispenser during use and with respect to thedirection associated with gravitational feeding.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, faceplate 44, and optional base 52 whendispenser 40 is equipped therewith, pivotably cooperate with body 42 toselectively expose cavity 46. Faceplate 44 cooperates with body 42and/or optional base 52 to define a plurality of grab or pick sites 54,56, 58 associated with extracting different quantities of napkins 48from dispenser 40. Base 52 includes a first support 60 and a secondsupport 62 that generally separate respective finger holes 64, 66, 68that are generally aligned with pick sites 54, 56, 58 of faceplate 44.In a preferred embodiment, each finger hole 64, 66, 68 is approximately1.2 inches wide and 1.85 inches deep although other dimensions areenvisioned.

First pick site 54 and first finger hole 64 are shaped to define a pincharea dimension, as indicated by arrow 70, of approximately 1.9 inches,second pick site 56 and second finger hole 66 are oriented to define apinch area dimension of approximately 2.15 inches, and third pick site58 and finger hole 68 are shaped to define a pinch area dimension ofapproximately 2.325 inches. It should be appreciated that the pinch areadimensions recited above are exemplary and other dimensions are feasiblegiven the adjustability of the height of the base 52. Each pinch areadimension is associated with the introduction of the user's fingers forfinger and thumb with dispenser 40 proximate discharge opening 50 topinch an accessible quantity of the paper napkin product stackassociated with the respective pick site 54, 56, 58 with which the userinteracts during each dispensing event.

As explained further below, faceplate 44 can be provided in a two-partconstruction, constructed to slideably cooperate with body 42, and/orconstructed to be connected to body 42 at more than one location so asto manipulate the pinch area dimension 70 associated with pick sites 54,56, 58. Body 42 and faceplate 44 cooperate in a pivotable manner and areshaped to define a seam 72 at the interface therebetween to improve theaesthetic appearance of dispenser 40 and to generally fully enclose thepaper napkin product contained therein.

Still referring to FIG. 1, body 42 includes a bottom surface 74 havingone or more legs or suction cups or the like, associated with supportingdispenser 40 in a generally vertical orientation relative to a supportsurface. As disclosed further below, it is further envisioned thatdispenser 40 can be hung from vertical surfaces such as a wall or apartition to provide the generally vertical orientation as well,

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, faceplate 44 and optional base 52 arepivotably connected to body 42 such that faceplate 44 and base 52 canrotate relative to body 42 between an in-use orientation as shown inFIG. 1 and an open or loading orientation as shown in FIG. 2. Referringto FIGS. 2 and 3, body 42 includes a rear wall 78 that can include oneor more holes 80 formed therein. Holes 80 are shaped to accommodatehanging support of body 42 relative to a wall or other such generallyvertical surface when such an orientation or positioning is desired.Body 42 includes two sidewalls 82, 84 that extend in generally forwarddirection relative to rear wall 78 and toward faceplate 44. Sidewalls82, 84 generally flank a portion of the opposite side edges of a papernapkin stack associated with dispenser 40.

Body 42 includes a bottom portion 86 that defines a floor surface 88associated with cavity 46. Bottom portion 86 includes a first opening 90and a second opening 92 that are associated with each of the oppositelateral end portions 96, 98 of bottom portion 86. End portion 96, 98 aregenerally aligned with a respective sidewall 82, 84 of body 42. Body 42includes a cap or cover portion 100 that is formed at an oppositelongitudinal end of body 42 relative to bottom portion 86. A first catch102 and the second catch 104 extend in a generally forward directionfrom sidewalls 82, 84 proximate cover portion 100. Each catch 102, 104includes a projection 106 that snap fittingly cooperates with arespective cavity, pocket or opening 108 associated with faceplate 44.Catches 102. 104 secure faceplate 44 in the closed orientation shown inFIG. 1 when projections 106 are engaged with the respective opening 108but are accessible such that user depressing of catches 102, 104 allowsrotation of faceplate 44 toward the open orientation as shown in FIG. 2when dispenser 40 must be restocked or filled with paper napkin product.

Still referring to FIG. 3, faceplate 44 includes a lower end 110 and anupper end 112. A first arm 114 in the second arm 116 are formed nearlower end 110 of faceplate 44 proximate pick sites 54, 56, 58 and extendin a generally downward direction relative thereto. Each area 114, 116of faceplate 44 optionally includes one or more channels 120, a pivot122, and a guide 124. Each pivot 122 of the respective arms 114, 116 isoriented and constructed to snap fittingly cooperate with acorresponding opening 90 associated with bottom portion 86 of body 42.Each guide 124 of each respective arm 114, 116 is constructed andpositioned to be associated with and snap-fittingly cooperate with arespective elongated opening 92 associated with bottom portion 86 ofbody 42. The cooperation of pivots 122 and guides 124 with respectiveopenings 90, 92 associated with bottom portion 86 of body 42accommodates the pivotable or rotational relationship of faceplate 44relative to body 42. As alluded to above, once rotated to the closedposition, projections 106 associated with catches 102, 104 engageopenings 108 of faceplate 44 so as maintain the closed orientation ofdispenser 40.

Still referring to FIG. 3, optional base 52 includes rib structure 126that extends in an outward direction relative to a respective end 128,130 of base 52. Rib structures 126 slideably cooperate with the channels120 associated with arms 114, 116 of faceplate 44. Such a constructionsecures base 52 relative to faceplate 44 such that base 52 rotates withfaceplate 44 during movement of faceplate 44 relative to body 42. Wherethere are multiple channels 120, the base 52 can be mounted at aselected height relative to the bottom of the dispenser to adjust theheight of the pinch area. A bottom surface 132 of base 52 cooperateswith top or floor surface 88 of bottom portion 86 of body 42 and asupport or top surface 134 of base 52 is shaped to support a stack of apaper napkin product thereon such that dispenser 40 is usable with orwithout use of the optional base 52.

As shown in FIG. 4 a, optional base 52 includes a first portion 136, asecond portion 138, and a third portion 140. First portion 136 of base52 generally defines a number of finger holes 64, 66, 68 and includes afirst pocket 142 and a second pocket 144 that are formed generallybetween adjacent finger holes 64, 66, 68. First and second portions 138,140 each include a support face or surface 146 and a pair of arms 148,150 that extend in a generally rearward direction therefrom. Each arm148, 150 includes a pivot 152, 154 that extends in a generally outwardlateral direction relative to the longitudinal axis associated with therespective arm 148, 150. As explained further below, each of second andthird portions 138, 140 of base 52 are movable relative to first portion136 of base 52 such that the respective support surface 146 is movablerelative to top surface 134 of first portion 136 of base 52.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 a, the second and third portions 138and 140 are biased upwardly through the use of resilient biasing members159 each located in the pocket 161 of each of the second and thirdportions 138 and 140.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 b, and as disclosed further below, atleast one of pivots 152, 154 is long enough to support a spring 158associated therewith. Spring 158 defines an opening 160 shaped toslideably cooperate with a respective pivot 152, 154. Each spring 158includes a first end 162 and a second end 164 that extend in outwarddirections from a barrel portion 166 of the respective spring 158. Whenengaged with pivot 154, end 162 of each spring 158 is shaped to engage abottom surface 168 of arm 150 of the respective second and third baseportions 138, 140. Arms 148, 150 of second and third portions 138, 140are deflectable in a generally inward lateral direction aligned with theaxis of pivots 152, 154 such that arms 148, 150 can be slideablyreceived in respective pockets 142, 144 associated with first portion136 of base 52.

Referring to FIG. 5, when second portion 138 and third portion 140 ofbase 52 are engaged with pockets 142, 144 of first portion 136 of base52, pivots 152, 154 snap-fittingly cooperate with an opening formed in arib 170 associated with an under or non-exposed side of first portion136 of base 52. Each respective spring 158 slideably cooperates with arespective pivot 154 such that each respective rib 170 is generallyflanked by a respective aim 150 on one lateral side and a respectivespring 158 on an opposite lateral side. First end 162 of each spring 158traverses the width of the respective rib 170 so as to engage theunderside 168 associated with the respective arm 150. Second end 164 ofeach spring 158 engages a rear surface 172 of first portion 136 of base52 such that each support surface 146 associated with each of first andsecond portions 138, 140 of base 52 are biased in a generally upwarddirection, indicated by arrow 174 so as to be generally aligned with thetop surface 134 of first portion 136 of base 52.

Second portion 138 and third portion 140 of base 52 are deflectable in agenerally downward direction, indicated by arrow 176 relative to thefirst portion 136 of base 52 to accommodate translation of differentnumbers of napkins thereacross associated with user interaction with arespective pick site. It should be appreciated that the degree ofdeflection of second and third portions 138, 140 of base 52 relative tofirst portion 136 of base 52 is directly related to the respectivenumber of napkins “pinched” during any given dispensing event. Such aconstruction mitigates undesirable interaction of dispenser 40 with thepaper napkin product being removed therefrom.

FIG. 9 shows an alternate construction associated with generating themovable but biased engagement between first portion 136 of base 52 andrespective second and third portions 138, 140. As shown therein, thebiasing device associated with spring 158 is formed as a compressionspring rather than a torsion spring as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Each offirst, second, and third portions 136, 138. 140 include one or moreoverlapping projections 175, 177 that can be translated past one anotherwhen the respective arm associated the respective projection isdeflected in an inward or outward relative lateral direction. When notdeformed or otherwise deflected, projections 175, 177 interfere with oneanother such that second portions 138, 140 of base 52 are slideablymovable but remain movably secured to first portion 136 of base 52 toprovide a similar variable compression during the dispensing events asalluded to above and as disclosed further below with respect to FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 7 a, during each extraction or dispensing event,introduction of the user's fingers with a respective finger hole 64, 66,68 and the nearest associated pick site 54, 56, 68 allows the user topinch a quantity of the paper napkin product 48 and extract the graspedpaper napkin product 48 from dispenser 40 through dispensing opening 50.Second portion 138 and third portion 140 of base 52 can deflect in thedownward direction 176 relative to first portion 136 of base 52 tobetter accommodate the extraction of the various quantities of papernapkin product 48 from dispenser 40. As should be appreciated,extraction associated with pick site 54 would yield less deflection offirst and second portions 138, 140 of base 52 than extraction ordispensing activities associated with utilization of pick site 58. Itshould further be appreciated that each pick site 54, 56, 58 isassociated with extracting different amounts or quantities of multiplediscrete paper napkin product 48. That is, use of pick site 54 isassociated with dispensing a fewest but multiple number of paper napkinproduct 48, pick site 56 is associated with dispensing a greater andmultiple number of paper napkin product 48 than associated with use ofpick site 54, and pick site 58 is associated with dispensing thegreatest multiple number of discrete paper napkin product 48 associatedwith each dispensing event. Said in another way, each pick site 54, 56,58 allows dispensing of multiple different numbers of paper napkinproducts with each dispensing activity.

Referring briefly to FIGS. 2 and 6, it is further appreciated thatfaceplate 44 can include a first portion 180 and the second portion 182that are movably positioned relative to one another such that theorientation of second portion 182 can be adjusted relative to floor orsurface 88 associated with body 42 and/or with respect to surface 134 ofbase 52 when base 52 is utilized. Such a consideration allows the userto individualize the quantity of paper napkin product 48 that can beexposed at each pick site 54, 56, 58 associated with dispensing opening50 and such that dispenser 40 can be individually configured toaccommodate various different dispensing requirements. Whether secondportion 182 cooperates with first portion 180 to achieve multiplediscrete positions relative thereto or faceplate 44 cooperates with body42 in various positions, each such configuration allows usermanipulation or individualization of the range of the number of napkinsthat can be dispensed during each dispensing event associated with eachof first, second, and third pick sites 54, 56, 58. Said in another way,such a configuration allows dispenser 40 to providing multiple differentfewest number of napkins, multiple different intermediate number ofnapkins, and multiple different greatest number of napkins that can bedispensed during any given dispensing event associated with use ofdispenser 40.

As shown in FIG. 6, a selectively removable insert 178 may be providedto alter the dimensions of the interior of the napkin cavity 46 toaccommodate different sized napkins. When in place, the insert restsalong the inner wall 99 of cover portion 100. The distal end 179 of theinsert 178, preferably fits into a gap 181 formed between the topsurface 134 of the base 52 and the inner wall 99 of cover portion 100.That, along with extensions 183 which cooperate with receivers 185, holdthe insert in place in the napkin cavity 46.

As shown in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b, it is further appreciated that the shapeor contour associated with pick sites 54, 56, 58 can be provided invarious shapes or contours. Pick sites 54, 56, 58, can be provided in agenerally smooth curvilinear shape or contour as shown in FIG. 6 or amore linear but stepped shape or contour as shown in FIG. 7. It isappreciated that the alternatives shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are merelyexemplary of two contours suitable for providing multiple pick sites 54,56, 58 associated with dispensing different multiple numbers of napkinsduring each dispensing event and that other shapes and/or contours arepossible. As disclosed below with respect to FIGS. 8 and 10, it isfurther appreciated that various other modifications are envisioned andsuitable for manipulating the dispensing activity associated withutilization of dispenser 40 to provide multiple different numbers ofpaper napkin products during single dispensing events.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 10, paper napkin product 48 can be associatedwith floor surface 88 of bottom portion 86 of body 42 or top surface 134of an optional base such as base 52. Body 42 is constructed to cooperatewith optional base 52 or other optional bases such as base 186 (FIG. 8)or base 188 (FIG. 10) in an interchangeable manner. That is, one ofbases 52, 186, 188 can be associated with bottom portion 86 of body 42at any given time. Unlike base 52, base 186 includes no movable partsbut is nonetheless shaped to removably cooperate with body 42 proximatebottom portion 86 so as to be generally aligned with the dischargeopening 50 of dispenser 40. Base 186 includes a support surface 190shaped to cooperate with a paper napkin stack and a number of fingerholes 192, 194, 196 that accommodate introduction of the user's thumb orrespective fingers thereat. Partitions 198, 200 are formed betweenadjacent finger holes 192, 194, 196 and included a chamfered face 202,204 associated with accommodating translation of various numbers ofnapkins thereacross. Base 86 can be configured to cooperate withfaceplate 44 in a manner similar to that described above with respect tothe base 52.

Referring to FIG. 10, optional base 188 also includes a number of fingerholes 206, 208, 210 that are each separated from one another byrespective partition walls 212, 214. A forward directed surface 216 ofeach partition wall 212, 214 is generally curvilinear rather thanchamfered. Finger holes 206, 208, 210 extend a substantial portion ofthe depth of base 188 and terminate at a generally curvilinear rear wall218. A top surface 220 of each partition wall 212, 214 includes a cutout 221 that is shaped to accommodate a rolling support 222 thatinteracts with a bottom napkin associated with the paper napkin productstack associated therewith. Alternate ends 224, 226 of roller 222rotationally cooperate with a respective seat 228 defined by arespective end wall 230, 232 of base 188. Base 188 can be shaped tocooperate with body 42 and/or faceplate 44 in a manner similar to thatdescribed above with respect to base 52. Bases 52, 186, 188interchangeably cooperate with dispenser 40 to manipulate the dispensingactivity associated therewith to satisfy the requirements of differentusers, different applications, of different paper napkin product stacksbut in a manner that accommodates the dispensing of more than one amountof a plurality of paper napkin product during each dispensing event.

FIGS. 11-15 show a dispenser 250 according to another embodiment of thepresent invention. Dispenser 250 is also constructed to allow dispensingof multiple numbers or amounts of multiple paper napkin products duringdiscrete dispensing events. Unlike dispenser 40 which is constructed tobe substantially or fully exposed when in use, dispenser 250 isconstructed such that a substantial portion of the dispenser is disposedbeneath a support structure such as a countertop or the like.

Napkin dispenser 250 includes a napkin dispenser body 252 and afaceplate 254. The dispenser body 252 provides an interior storage area256 for napkins 258 that are to be dispensed through the carriage orfaceplate 254 via a discharge opening 260. The napkins 258 to bedispensed rest on a support plate 261 contained in the dispenser 250 andare urged upwardly toward discharge opening 260 by means of a spring.The spring is usually a low compression spring that causes the supportplate to function as a pusher plate to urge napkins 258 toward dischargeopening 260. The spring is held in place between the plate and a springsupport plate at the bottom of dispenser body 252 by tabs or othersuitable attachment mechanisms. Alternatively, the biasing means can beexternal to body 252.

Understandably, mechanically biasing the plurality of napkins toward thedischarge opening is but one means of facilitating sequential dispensingof discrete amounts or numbers of napkins from the plurality of napkinscontained in such dispensers. That is, as explained above and furtherbelow, it is appreciated that the plurality of napkins can be gravityfed toward the discharge opening and/or the discharge opening can bemovably associated with the body of the dispenser such that thedischarge opening is maintained proximate an end of a stack of napkins.Advancing the napkins toward the discharge opening and/or maintainingthe discharge opening relative to the stack of napkins in such mannersis further disclosed below with respect to one or more of theembodiments disclosed herein.

A bezel or collar 262 extends circumferentially about body 252 and isshaped to provide an aesthetic finished appearance of dispenser 250 forthose applications where body 252 is contained in a countertop orsimilar surface such that only collar 262 and the carriage or faceplate254 of the dispenser 250 are visible to the user. As shown in FIGS.12-15, dispenser 250 includes one or more movable or flexible tabs 268that extend in an outward radial direction relative to an externalsurface 270 of body 252. A gap 272 is formed between a bottom surface274 of collar 262 and upper surface 276 of respective tabs 268 tofacilitate securing dispenser 250 relative to a countertop or wallsurface. Preferably, tabs 268 are movable so as to provide securemounting of dispenser 250 relative to such support surfaces and supportsurfaces having different thicknesses.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 14, faceplate 254 is shaped to define a firstpick site, zone or grip site 282, a second pick site, zone or grip site284, and a third pick site, zone or grip site 286. Each pick zone 282,284, 286 is shaped to allow a user to remove a discrete number ofnapkins 258 from dispenser 250 and wherein each discrete number ofnapkins is different than the discrete number of napkins associated withuse of alternate pick zones. Referring to FIG. 14, first pick zone 282is generally define by a longitudinal edge 288 that extends in atransverse direction relative to a lateral edge 290 of discharge opening260 of faceplate 254. A step 292 extends in a downward directionrelative to the longitudinal axis, indicated by arrow 294, associatedwith the stack of napkins 258 from one end of pick zone 282. Second pickzone 284 is defined by a longitudinal edge 296 that is generallyparallel to edge 288 of first pick zone 282 and offset from edge 290 bythe length of step 292. Another step 298 is formed between second pickzone 284 and third pick zone 286 such that a longitudinal edge 299 ofthird pick zone 286 is offset in direction 294 from edges 288 and 290associated with first and second pick zones 282, 284, respectively.

As explained further below as being directed to all of the embodimentsdisclosed herein, offsetting edges 290, 296, 299 of pick zones 282, 284,286 in direction 294 allows a user to manually remove different amounts,numbers, or quantities of napkins 258 from dispenser 250 during eachdispensing event. The multiple napkin quantity also allows the manualdispensing activity, regardless of which pick zone is utilized, to occurwithout inadvertent contact with excess paper napkins thereby limitingthe possibility of contaminating napkins that are not intended to beremoved during any given dispensing event. Preferably, in order tofacilitate easier and more controlled dispensing, napkins are loadedinto the dispenser 250 opposite their normal dispensing orientation,i.e., with the main napkin fold facing forward. With the majority ofnapkin designs, this presents only a single edge to be gripped fordispensing.

FIGS. 16-18 show a dispenser 300 a faceplate or carriage 301 accordingto another embodiment of the invention. Dispenser 300 includes adispenser body 302 that is shaped to receive a stack of paper napkins304. A cap 306 removably or pivotably cooperates with an open end 307 ofbody 302 to facilitate unobstructed loading of body 302 with napkins304. Extending along a longitudinal direction, body 302 includes a rearwall 308, a pair of sidewalls 310, 312, and front flange walls 314, 316.Each of sidewalls 310, 312 includes at least one channel or slot 318,320 that is shaped to slideably cooperate with a pin or rod 324 that isattached to carriage 301. Pin or rod 324 may be arranged to rotate orremain fixed to facilitate smoother dispensing of varying types ofnapkins. Carriage 301 defines a radially interior surface 328 (FIG. 18)that generally corresponds to a shape of a footprint of body 302 so thatcarriage 301 slideably cooperates with an exterior surface 330 ofdispenser body 302 as napkins 304 are removed therefrom so that carriage301 is maintained at a location proximate a top of the napkin stack.Understandably, carriage 301 can be biased into engagement with thenapkins stack via a spring or the like or by increasing the mass of thecarriage to adjust the tightness of the nesting of the stack of napkins.The interaction of rod 324 with the top of the napkin stack maintains adesired position of the carriage 301 relative to the top or thedispensing end associated with the stack of napkins contained in body302.

Still referring to FIGS. 16-18, carriage 301 includes a first pick zone332, a second pick zone 334, and a third pick zone 336 that extendlaterally over an opening 338 of dispenser 300 wherein the lateraldirection crosses the longitudinal axis associated with the napkinstack. Each of pick zones 332, 334, 336 allows the selective manualremoval of different discrete numbers of napkins from dispenser 300 foreach dispensing event. Referring to FIG. 18, carriage 301 preferablyincludes an optional fourth pick zone 340, an optional fifth zone 342,and an optional sixth pick zone 344. Pick zones 340, 342, 344 areoriented on a side of carriage 301 that is generally opposite firstthrough third pick zones 332, 334, 336 such that carriage 301 canreversibly engage body 302 to accommodate use of the first through thirdpick zones or the fourth through sixth pick zones. As explained furtherbelow, it is appreciated that body 302 could be constructed to allowdispensing of napkins from two of the opposite sides thereof such thatthe first through sixth pick zones could be used concurrently.

That is, it is appreciated that rear wall 308 of body 302 may include anopening similar to opening 338 to allow concurrent utilization and/orremoval of napkins 304 from dispenser 300 via user interaction with anyof pick zones 332, 334, 336 and/or optional pick zones 340, 342, 344. Itis further appreciated that pick zones 332, 334, 336, 340, 342, 344 mayhave different shapes provided they also limit access to the napkinstack to provide controlled dispensing. Alternatively, it is appreciatedthat carriage 301 may slideably cooperate with body 302 of dispenser 300in different orientations to allow the alignment of one group of pickzones 332, 334, 336 or pick zones 340, 342, 344 with discharge opening338 as based on user preferences. It is further appreciated that whenprovided in such a multiple orientation configuration, pick zones 332,334, 336 and pick zones 340, 342, 344 may provide access and/or manualremoval of different numbers of napkins 304 from dispenser 300. That is,it is appreciated that carriage 301 may be configured to provide for theremoval of at least six common numbers of napkins as the situation ofapplication may desire. It is further appreciated that the generallyradial shape of pick zones 332, 334, 336, as compared to the more linearshaped pick zones 340, 342, 344, are contoured to cooperate with a thumbor finger of the user during manual extraction of the respective numberof napkins and enhance the ability of the user to index their handrelative to an intended pick zone without visual assessment of thelocation of their hand relative to dispenser. Such functionality furtherenhances efficient utilization and/or user interaction with dispenser300.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 18, carriage 301 includes a first tab 350 anda second tab 352 that are configured to cooperate with opposite ends354, 356 of rod 324. Cooperation of rod 324 with a top napkin 326 (FIG.17) of napkins 304 generally defines the number of napkins that areexposed for gripping at each of pick zones 332, 334, 336, 340, 342, 344.It is appreciated that manipulating the orientation of rod 324 relativeto carriage 301, such as providing various connection locations betweenrod 324 and carriage 301, can adjust or manipulate the number of napkinsthat are exposed and accessible at each pick zone 332, 334, 336, 340,342, 344. Such a construction would increase the variety of the numberof napkins that can be retrieved via interaction with pick zones 332,334, 336, 340, 342, 344. Although dispenser 300 is shown as includingonly one rod 324, it is further appreciated that other numbers of rods,rods with other diameters, or that rod 324 be provided in a generallyplanar or wire form paddle shape, can be provided to manipulate thepresentation of napkins 304 relative to the pick zones 332, 334, 336,340, 342, 344. Such configurations would allow end-users to quickly andconveniently configure dispenser 300 to present a desired number ofnapkins at each pick zone 332, 334, 336, 340, 342, 344 for removal fromdispenser 300 during each manual dispensing event.

It is further appreciated that carriage 301 can be configured so that itis substantially closed at the top by a plate or the like. In thisconfiguration, a slot is provided with one or more pick zones that forma shaped opening divided by the slot similar to that shown in FIG. 23-25as described further below. This configuration improves the sanitationof the napkins by further enclosing them and shielding them from theenvironment while still providing controlled multiple napkin dispensing.

Dispenser 300 may be placed directly on a counter, mounted to a wall ormated with a stand to provide a user with a variety of placement optionsto maximize the utility of the dispenser in the desired environment.

FIGS. 19-22 show various views and various orientations of a papernapkin dispenser 400 according to another embodiment of the invention.Dispenser 400 includes a body 402 defined by a base 404 and a lid 406that is pivotably connected to base 404 to allow access to the cavitydefined therebetween. An interchangeable carriage or faceplate 408cooperates with body 402 to define a dispensing opening 410 shaped tofacilitate manual removal, of different numbers of napkins 412 fromdispenser 400. Preferably, faceplate 408 is transparent and/ortranslucent to allow visual inspection of a quantity of napkins disposedthere behind. It is appreciated that dispenser 400 may or may notinclude a biasing plate oriented to bias the napkin stack towardfaceplate 408 during use of the dispenser. Preferably, when used ingenerally horizontal orientation, dispenser 400 includes a biasingassembly to bias the napkins toward the cover and maintains a desiredorientation of the napkin stack within the dispenser.

Faceplate 408 includes a first pick zone 420, a second pick zone 422,and a third pick zone 424 that are shaped to allow removal of adifferent number of napkins 412 from dispenser 400 during each napkinremoval event. Pick zones 420, 422, 424 are spaced longitudinally alongdischarge opening 410 to allow user interaction with any of pick zones420, 422, 424 and the respective number of napkins 412 accessiblethereat. Pick zones 420, 422, 424 extend different distances relative tothe longitudinal axis associated with the stack of napkins 412 to allowmanual extraction of different numbers of napkins as a function of therespective pick zone utilized. Like pick zones 332, 334, 336 ofdispenser 300, pick zones 420, 422, 424 of dispenser 400 have agenerally curvilinear shape intended to quickly facilitate cooperationand indexing of the user's finger relative to faceplate 408.

As alluded to above, dispenser 400 is configured to be utilized in agenerally horizontal orientation, as shown in FIGS. 19-20, a morevertical orientation wherein dispenser 400 can be supported by anadjacent wall or other generally vertical structure in a manner similarto dispenser 40, or a self-supporting pitched orientation as shown inFIGS. 21-22. As shown in FIGS. 21-22, dispenser 400 is configured tocooperate with a shoe or stand 440 such that dispenser 400 can beprovided in a pitched orientation relative to horizontal and verticalorientations, via interaction with a horizontal support surface—such asa countertop or the like. Preferably, stand 440 removably cooperateswith base 404 of dispenser 400 thereby improving the functionality withwhich dispenser 400 can be utilized.

FIGS. 23-25 show a paper napkin dispenser 500 according to yet anotherembodiment of the invention. Dispenser 500 includes a body 502 thatdefines a longitudinal axis, indicated by line 504 associated withreceiving a stack of paper napkins 506. A cap or lid 508 removably orpivotably cooperates with body 502 to facilitate filling of dispenser500. A carriage, faceplate, or cover 510 cooperates with body 502 todefine a first pick zone 512, a second pick zone 514, and a third pickzone 516. Each pick zone 512, 514, 516 is associated with allowing auser to manually remove different numbers of napkins from a dischargeopening 518 of dispenser 500.

Unlike dispensers 40, 250, 300, and 400, pick zones 512, 514, 516 ofdispenser 500 are fluidly isolated from one another and fluidlyconnected with a respective slot 520, 522, 524 associated with removinga discrete number of napkins 506 through cover 510. It is appreciatedthat cover 510 may slideably cooperate body 502 of dispenser 500 so asto maintain an orientation of cover 510 proximate a top of the napkinsstack and/or disposed along the longitudinal length of the stack or evennear the bottom of the respective stack or napkins such that the napkins506 can be biased and/or gravitationally biased toward pick zones 512,514, 516 so as to limit undesired or unintentional removal of excessnumbers of napkins 506 from dispenser 500.

Each of napkin dispensers 40, 250, 300, 400, 500 allows the manualremoval of different numbers of napkins from the respective dispensersduring each dispensing action. Preferably, each dispenser 40, 250, 300,400, 500 is configured to provide smooth and continuous translation ofthe dispensing opening relative to a desired location of the grip zonesand the pertinent portion of the napkin stack so as to not interferewith subsequent interaction and/or use of the dispenser. It is furtherappreciated that the carriage, faceplate or cover associated with any ofdispensers 40, 250, 300, 400, 500 could be configured to cooperate withother preexisting napkin dispensers so as to provide for the removal ofmultiple numbers of napkins during each dispensing event wherein thepreexisting dispensers include carriage or cover assemblies that allowfor only the sequential dispensing of single napkins so as to reduce thecosts associated with any given vendor retrofitting their dispensingsystems to allow manual extraction of more than one number of napkins orindividually separated napkins during each dispensing event.

Each of dispensers 40, 250, 300, 400. 500 allows for better control ofthe number of the napkins dispensed during each dispensing activitythereby promoting efficient use of the paper napkins and doing so in amanner that is efficient and limits unwanted contamination betweengroups of napkins associated with each dispensing action. Allowingmanual interaction with the respective dispensers also provides amultiple count per interaction napkin dispenser that is moreeconomically feasible than other multiple count napkin dispensers andsubstantially reduces the complexity and integration of the dispenserinto retail environments. The adjustability of the various dispensersalso allows the end user to better control the number of paper napkinsdispensed during each dispensing event and does so in a manner thatencourages efficient vendor/customer interaction. However, while eachembodiment shown provides for dispensing of differing amounts of stackedsheet materials, each embodiment could be configured with a single “pickzone” to dispense a particular amount (in volume or quantity) ofmultiple sheets. (The reference to “particular amount” is not intendedto convey the notion that the exact same number of sheets will bedispensed with each “pick”, but rather that approximately the sameamount (in volume or quantity) will, be “picked” with each use of adispenser configured with a single pick zone.)

The present invention has been described in terms of the preferredembodiment, and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, andmodifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible andwithin the scope of the appending claims without departing from thespirit of the invention.

What we claim is:
 1. A carriage of a napkin dispenser, the carriagecomprising: a body constructed to overlay a cavity shaped to contain aplurality of napkins, the body defining at least a first pick zone thatallows access to a first amount of the plurality of napkins and a secondpick zone that allows access to a second amount of the plurality ofnapkins.
 2. The carriage of claim 1 further comprising a support thatextends in a longitudinal direction aligned with the first and secondpick zones.
 3. The carriage of claim 2 wherein the body adjustablycooperates the support to define a size of the first and second pickzones.
 4. The carriage of claim 2 wherein the support is shaped toslideably cooperate with an opening defined by a countertop and the bodyhas a footprint that is greater than a size of the opening.
 5. Thecarriage of claim 2 further comprising a base that cooperates with thesupport at a location proximate the first and second pick zones definedby the body.
 6. The carriage of claim 5 further comprising another basethat cooperates with the support such that the base and the another baseinterchangeably cooperate with the support.
 7. The carriage of claim 5wherein the base further comprises at least one deflectable support thatis biased toward the plurality of napkins and movable in a directionaway from the plurality of napkins.
 8. The carriage of claim 1 whereinthe first and second pick zones are aligned along a common longitudinalside of the body.
 9. The carriage of claim 8 wherein each pick zone isfurther defined as at least one of a curvilinear and a linear cutoutformed in an edge of the body.
 10. The carriage of claim 8 furthercomprising a third pick zone aligned along the common longitudinal sideof the body with the first and second pick zones.
 11. A dispenser forpaper napkins comprising: a container that defines a cavity shaped toreceive a stack of paper napkins and a discharge opening fluidlyconnected to the cavity; and a carriage shaped to cooperate with thecontainer proximate the discharge opening, the carriage defining atleast two pick zones wherein each respective pick zone is shaped toallow removal of a different number of paper napkins from the cavitythan other respective pick zones.
 12. The dispenser for paper napkins ofclaim 11 wherein the carriage further comprises at least one pick zonethat is oriented on a side of the carriage opposite the at least twopick zones.
 13. The dispenser for paper napkins of claim 11 wherein thecarriage movably cooperates with the container.
 14. The dispenser forpaper napkins of claim 11 wherein each of the at least two pick zonesare associated with an end of the stack of paper napkins.
 15. Thedispenser of paper napkins of claim 11 further comprising a first baseand a second base that interchangeably cooperate with the container at alocation proximate the at least two pick zones.
 16. The dispenser ofpaper napkins of claim 15 wherein at least one of the first base and thesecond base includes at least one movable napkin support.
 17. Thedispenser of paper napkins of claim 16 wherein the at least one movablesupport is biased into engagement with the stack of paper napkins andmovable in a direction away from the stack of paper napkins.
 18. Thedispenser of claim 11 wherein the carriage includes a first portion anda second portion, the second portion defining the at least two pickzones and movably connected to the first portion to adjust a sizeassociated with at least one of the at least two pick zones.
 19. Thedispenser of claim 18 wherein a position of second portion relative tofirst portion defines the size of each of the at least two pick zones.20. The dispenser of claim 11 further comprising a third pick zonedefined by the carriage and that is aligned with the at least two pickzones.
 21. A method of forming a paper napkin dispenser, the methodincluding: providing a carriage constructed to be positioned adjacent astack of napkins; forming a first pick zone in the carriage that allowsmanual removal of a plurality of napkins from the paper napkin dispenserassociated with use of the first pick zone; and forming a second pickzone in the carriage that allows manual removal of a different number ofa plurality of napkins from the paper napkin dispenser associated withuse of the second pick zone rather than the first pick zone.
 22. Themethod of claim 21 further comprising forming the first and second pickzones in a common side of the carriage.
 23. The method of claim 22further comprising forming at least one additional pick zone in a sideof the carriage that is one of the common side or opposite the commonside.
 24. The method of claim 21 further comprising forming in thirdpick zone in the carriage that allows manual removal of a differentnumber of a plurality of napkins from the paper napkin dispenserassociated with use of the third pick zone than either of the first orsecond pick zones.
 25. The method of claim 22 further comprising biasingthe carriage into engagement with an end of the stack of napkins. 26.The method of claim 21 further comprising forming the carriage as afirst portion and a second portion that movably cooperates with thefirst portion such that movement of the first portion relative to thesecond portion adjusts a size associated with at least one of the firstpick zone and the second pick zone.
 27. The method of claim 21 furthercomprising providing a base that cooperates with the carriage proximatethe first and second pick zones.
 28. The method of claim 26 furthercomprising providing the base with at least one movable support that isbiased toward the stack of napkins and movable in a direction away fromthe stack of napkins.
 29. The method of claim 26 further comprisingproviding another base that cooperates with the carriage and isinterchangeable with the base to define different sizes associated withthe first pick zone and the second pick zone as a function of which baseis utilized.
 30. A sheet material dispenser comprising: a housing forcontaining a stack of a plurality of sheets of material to be dispensed;an opening, defined in said housing, through which the leading edges ofa portion of a stack of a plurality of sheets of material areaccessible; a base for supporting the stack of a plurality of sheets ofmaterial to be dispensed, wherein the base is configured to permit theleading edges of a portion of the stack of a plurality of sheets ofmaterial accessible through the opening to be deflected downwardly tofacilitate the removal of all or a subset of the accessible portion ofthe stack of a plurality of sheets of material from the dispenser.
 31. Adispenser according to claim 30, wherein the base is interchangeable.32. A dispenser according to claim 30, wherein the base includes aretractable portion biased to support the stack of a plurality of sheetsof material to be dispensed.
 33. A dispenser according to claim 30,further comprising a selectively removable insert to alter the interiordimensions of the housing.
 34. A dispenser according to claim 30,wherein the base is selectively movable between at least a first andsecond position to alter the dimensions of the opening.